Dear Friends,
As we wrap up the year, we are filled with gratitude for our incredible ShinShiniyot, Einav and Shira, who have spent the past 12 months infusing our community with energy, joy, and meaningful connections to Israel. From the moment they arrived, Einav and Shira became familiar faces in our classrooms, hallways, and programs. Whether they were teaching preschoolers Hebrew songs, creating hands-on activities for Yom HaAtzmaut, leading cooking workshops with older adults, or bringing Israeli culture to life at camp, their impact has been wide-reaching and deeply felt.
Their presence reminded us that Israel is not just a place, it’s a story, a culture, a people, and a heartbeat. Through personal storytelling, music, language, and shared experiences, they helped build bridges between our community and the everyday lives of young Israelis.
This was not an easy year to be away from home. With ongoing conflict and uncertainty in Israel, Einav and Shira carried the emotional weight of being far from their families. Yet they continued to show up, bringing their whole selves, creating moments of connection, and offering us an authentic window into their world. We’re proud to have been their second home during such a difficult time.
We are also deeply thankful to our incredible partner organizations, Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), Perelman Jewish Day School, Har Zion Temple, Adath Israel, and the Siegel JCC, for helping make this year so impactful through their collaboration and support. And a heartfelt todah rabah to their host families, who welcomed them with open arms and provided not just housing, but care, comfort, and lifelong relationships.
“This year as a Shinshinit was full of amazing people, new experiences, and a lot of moments I’ll never forget. I got to work with all of the amazing kids and staff and learned something new everywhere I went.” – Shira
“This year was busy and challenging, but also full of meaning and experience.” – Einav
As they return to Israel and prepare for their next chapter in the Israeli army, we send them off with admiration and deep appreciation for all they’ve given. While we’ll miss them dearly, we’re also excited to welcome a new cohort of ShinShinim this fall and look forward to another year of learning, growing, and connecting together.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Moriah SimonHazani
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